The two-match ban on Mahendra Singh Dhoni for failing to maintain the over-rate has raised eyebrows.
From the Indian cricket fans' point of view, the decision may look harsh, but when viewed from the point of view of the rules of the game, it is indeed a correct one.
The rule on a slow over-rate was implemented to ensure that teams do not waste time.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would have surely contested the ruling against Dhoni and his men if they could have justified the delay. So, the fact remains that rules are made to be followed and no player is bigger than the game.
This rule was also implemented with full approval of all members, including India. So the moment a player is appointed captain, he stands a chance of getting banned if he fails to maintain the run-rate.
Captains are aware that their role is not just about leading their teams to victories and getting the best out of players, but also playing the game according to its rules.
Instrumental
Often it is the best player who is made the captain; in that case, is it right to ban him just because he could not perform the role of captain to perfection?
As a player, Dhoni has been instrumental in leading India to victories during the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. His ban could even affect the momentum of the team.
Captains like Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Ricky Ponting and Shahid Afridi play a crucial role in their teams. Banning such players is tantamount to depriving spectators of exciting cricket.
It would be better if the ICC can work out a new rule for slow over-rate. The punishment should be imposed right away rather than carried into the next match.
Maybe they could give extra runs to the opposition or even alter the result of the match to curb such practices.
